How to Fix Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 10

Fix Kernel Security Check Failure Windows 10

If you’ve ever experienced a blue screen of death (BSoD) on Windows, you know how annoying this can be. There are a number of reasons why this error may occur, such as memory problems, viruses, corrupted windows system files, and hard disk errors. In this article we focus on fixing the Blue Screen of Death caused by the “KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE” error.

There are plenty of causes for the “KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE” error, and we go through the solutions to fix some of its causes.

Run System File Checker

To run the system file checker, start by typing cmd into the search box. You should see Command Prompt. Select “Run as administrator.”

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error Run Cmd Prmpt

Type the command below to repair corrupted system files. These may be the source of your BSOD error.

sfc /scannow

Also read: How to Fix the Kernel Data Inpage Error in Windows

Scan Hard Disk for Errors

A reoccurring “KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_ERROR” message may be due to hard disk errors. To scan for and fix hard disk errors, first go to “Start -> File Explorer -> This PC.” Right-click on your hard disk and select Properties.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error Select Disk

In the window that pops up, go to the Tools tab and select “Check.” The Error Checking tool will then start checking for errors. It will automatically fix any errors it discovers.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error Check Disk

Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

To run this tool, press Win + R to open the Run window, then type mdsched.exe and hit Enter.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error Run Memory Test 1

You can choose to restart your computer immediately to check for problems or check for problems the next time you start your computer.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error Mdsched

If errors are detected, you will need to swap out one or more of your memory sticks.

Also read: How to Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to Find Memory Problems

Try a System Restore

To try a system restore, go to your system’s Settings app and look for “Update & Security.” Click on “Recovery” in the left sidebar.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error System Restore

Under “Reset this PC,” choose “Get started.” Select the “Keep my files” option. This removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files.

Win10 Fix Kernel Security Error System Restore Keep Files

Uninstall Overclocking Software

If you recently overclocked your PC, you may have inadvertently corrupted some files and caused the Kernel Security Check Failure error. Try disabling/uninstalling your overclocking software and see if this solves your issues.

Check Hard Drive and Ram Physically

This may not have occurred to you at first, but you should ensure that both your hard disk and memory sticks are plugged in all the way and secured. If they’re loose, this can cause the BSOD you’re encountering. If you have spares, you can also try swapping out your current hard disk and memory sticks with the spares to see if this makes a difference. It is very possible that these hardware items could be defective.

Carry Out a Virus Scan

This is a solution that is surprisingly easy to overlook. You may not think that the problem you’re experiencing is due to a virus, but this could be the case. Carry out a full system scan to see if there are any nasty bugs lurking on your system.

Wrapping Up

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error and the accompanying BSoD on Windows 10 is quite frankly one of the most annoying errors you could encounter. However, as you can see, there is plenty of hope for a solution. While it may take you some time to try out the various possibilities, it’s worth a shot, and you should eventually find your magic bullet.

If you are seeing a “Bad System Config Info” error instead, here are the fixes.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox

William Elcock

William has been fiddling with tech for as long as he remembers. This naturally transitioned into helping friends with their tech problems and then into tech blogging.